Randy Wynglarz, of the Southwick Department of Public Works Sewer Division, lubricates a set of bearings on the town’s new snow removal equipment. The town is leasing the new equipment which will be used to remove snow from the sidewalks along the newly redesigned College Highway and other parcels of town-owned property. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – Clearing sidewalks after the last snowstorm was made much easier thanks to a piece of equipment the town is leasing for the winter.
Department of Public Works Director Randy Brown said the Wacker Neuson Wheel Loader is 48-inches wide and is being leased from Tri County Contractors in West Springfield for four months at a cost of approximately $4,000.
“We are using it mainly to clear sidewalks on town property, including the police department, fire department, DPW, Town Hall and the library,” said Brown.
Since sidewalks were installed on College Highway by the state in 2012 the town has had to figure out the most efficient way to keep them clear following snowstorms. Brown said DPW crews have been able to deal with roads and sidewalks thus far with the Wacker Neuson. He said a contractor could be used in the future if the town staff is tied up with roads.
Last year the Board of Selectmen discussed the possibility of assisting residents and businesses on College Highway with clearing the sidewalks. Brown said currently, they are clearing only sidewalks on town property.
Brown said the equipment is working well.
“We will assess it after the season,” he said. “We are leasing with an option to buy, so we will decide if it’s a worthy piece of equipment.”
The purchase price of the wheel loader is in the range of $50,000.
